Interlinking Communication and Commitment in Public Institutions: A Case Study of Temeke Municipal Council, Dar Es Salaam

Public institutions increasingly face challenges related to low employee motivation and declining organisational commitment, creating a need to understand the factors that strengthen workforce engagement. This study addresses this gap by examining how internal organisational communication shapes employee commitment within Temeke Municipal Council (TMC) in Dar es Salaam. Grounded in Communication Accommodation Theory (Giles, 1973) and Organisational Commitment Theory (Meyer & Allen, 1997), the research investigates how clarity, responsiveness, and participatory communication practices influence affective, normative, and continuance commitment. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 261 questionnaire respondents and four key informant interviews, the study finds that employees perceive internal communication as effective in enhancing understanding, improving coordination, and fostering teamwork. The results show that communication functions as both an operational mechanism and a relational tool that builds trust, loyalty, and organisational identification. The study recommends strengthening feedback systems and institutionalising transparent and participatory communication practices to enhance employee commitment.